Chapter 2

Dot's Look-A-Like

She looked exactly like Dot! Only, she wore a pink dress shirt, had green eyes and a crystal-like flower attatched to her ears. Wakko studied Crystal a little longer before turning to a very surprised looking Dot. "Wow...she's like an older version of Dot!"

"She...does look a little like me..." Dot muttered.

Crystal kept her silence until she saw Yakko stand. Her eyes widened when she sa him grab a ratty looking mop from the corner of the room. "What are you doing?"

"Just cleaning up the blood. Even if they were to trace you back here, they'd never find you. I told you you'd be safer here," Yakko explained, throwing a friendly smile in her direction.

Crystal forced a weak smile. Even if he managed to clean up the blood trail left behind, he still wouldn't get what was left on the ladder. It was probably dried up by now. Dot and Wakko exchanged looks and nodded. "Okay, we'll just be going now. Crystal, if you ever want to talk, you know where to find me," Dot smiled sweetly and disappeared after Wakko.

Crystal blinked a few times, a little confused. She shook her head and slowly stood up. "Need some help?" She asked, a small smile on her face.

"Crystal!" Yakko's voice had startled her, causing her to lose her balance. Yakko immediately caught her before she fell. "You shouldn't be standing so soon!"

"But, I--" She started as he began pulling her into the direction of the small bed that lay in the center of the room.

"Resting is what you should be doing right now, at least until that ankle heals," Yakko told her, helping her sit on the bed.

"I just thought you could use a little help, that's all," she mumbled, still sitting up.

Yakko couldn't help but smile at this. "I'll be fine, don't worry. Now just lie down and get some rest...please."

He stayed in the same spot, watching her until she finally did lie down. He smiled, pleased by the results and started to mop the floor again. Crystal couldn't sleep, though. Her gaze remained on Yakko's moving form. I owe him...he saved my life, She thought. I owe him much more than just my gratitude...

"The girl's blood stops at this Water Tower, Dr. Stevens," A guard announced.

Dr. Scratchensniff frowned. "Those Warners have her..."

"Those troublesome kids have my pawn?" Dr. Stevens let out a low growl.

"Calm down, Dr. Stevens," Dr. Scratchensniff started. "I know these kids. They'll hand her over, you'll see."

Yakko soon finished mopping up the floor and took a seat in front of Crystal, who remained awake. "So, Crys...ever been to Acme U?"

Crystal shook her head. "No. I haven't been given the chance to venture out on my own, yet."

Yakko smiled, gently placing a hand on top of hers. "Well, you're with us Warners now, Crys. As soon as that ankle heals up, we'll take you sight-seeing. I promise."

"Thank you, Yakko...for everything..."

"No problem, Crys..."

"Exactly how long do we have to wait out here?" Dr. Stevens asked, crossing his arms.

"Well, let's see...the subject was wounded, so I assume the eldest of the Warner kids is taking care of her. They'll probably wait until she is healed before they take her anywhere," Dr. Scratchensniff explained.

"What do you suggest we do, Dr.'s? We are policeman after all. On your orders, we'll break down the door and take the girl by force if we have to," Another guard spoke up.

"That won't be necessary. We wouldn't want to scare the poor girl, now, would we?" Dr. Stevens asked, a wicked grin on his face. "Well find a temporary hide out near here. When those kids finally come outside, seize the one responsible for taking her here, lock the other two up, and we return to Acme Labs with Crystal unharmed. Got it?"

"...Got it..."